Bread Machine -- bread doesn't rise well. Suggestions?

Question

When making yeast breads in my bread machine, they come out rather heavy. Can I simply add more yeast to make them rise better? I made French Bread last night, and while it tasted delicious it lacked that light feeling of a bakers loaf.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

couple of potential problems.

1) is your yeast old or new? Yeast has a shelf life.

2) what temp of water are you putting in the bread. use 105 degree water if possible

3) if the air around your bread machine is too cold it will prohibit proper rising.

4) mismieasurement of yeast is a possiblity.

Answer 2

Make sure your yeast is fresh. Check the date on it. If you have the jar, and sometimes put it in the fridge, sometimes not, this can affect it's potency.

To check it, add a tsp. to 1 cup warm water, and stir in 1 tsp. sugar. Let stand 5 min. If you see copius bubbles on top, it is fresh. If only a few, or none, the yeast is inactive. Throw it out and get a new batch.

Be sure your water is'nt too hot when you add it to the BM.

If you are setting your BM to come on at a later time, be sureyour yeast doesn't get wet while waiting on it to start. Float flour on top of water, and make a little well in the flour for the yeast.

Answer 3

I don't use a bread machine, but I've seen flour specially made for them. You might want to consult with the cookbook that usually comes with such gadgets, or take a look in your grocery for the flour used in them. If all else fails, call the manufacturer and see what's up!

Answer 4

Is the yeast fresh? are you using enough?

Answer 5

lots of tips for bread machines here
http://www.enabling.org/ia/celiac/rec/breadtip.html